SBI investigating whether or not deputy used excessive force

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten says he's called in the SBI to investigate an incident involving one of his deputies. The move comes after family members of Brandon Hamer allege that Deputy Scott Collins used excessive force when arresting Hamer.

According to Hamer's father, Rodney Singletary, 24-year-old Hamer was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over outside of Chadbourn early Sunday morning.

An incident report states that Hamer was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, carrying a concealed firearm, assault on an officer, and resist delay and obstruction.

Singletary says that his son ran and didn't have a reason to, but he believes excessive force was used during the incident. According to Singletary, his son has five staples in his head, suffered two black eyes, has severe taser marks on his back and was even knocked unconscious during the arrest.

Sheriff Batten says that an internal investigation was conducted, and he believes his deputy acted properly. Batten says he and Singletary have been friends for years, and brought the SBI in to make sure his department didn't overlook anything.

While the SBI conducts its investigation, Batten says that Collins is still on the job. Batten says, Hamer tried to take the deputy's taser and Collins was transported to the hospital.

Singletary says his family is seeking legal advice and considering legal action.

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